Most Motorists Unaware of Dashboard Warning Symbols

New studies in Britain have revealed that many motorists are unaware of what the warning lights and indicators on their dashboard mean. Many of these are emergency warning lights indicating that their vehicle needs urgent attention, but if the drivers are clueless about their meaning, the warning lights are not serving their purpose. Ignoring such warning can make a tremendous difference when it comes to the time and cost of repairs. Some are easy to understand like the headlight indicators, but a few are more complex.

According to a survey conducted among 2,000 motorists, 90 per cent of them have seen dashboard symbols which they did not recognize. One in three were unable to identify a headlamp indicator while 27 per cent failed to label the ‘check engine’ sign. Even those who understood the symbols were unaware of how to deal with the problem.

Two thirds of the participants in the survey did not know how to check their engine oil, a little less than 50 per cent did not know how to change a tyre and 44 per cent were unaware of how to tackle the windscreen wipers. 58 per cent of motorists had no idea about the legal minimum tyre tread depth or how to check it.

Commenting on the results of the survey, David Carter, spokesman for Accident Advice Helpline, said that it was worrying how little drivers know about their own cars. Knowing the meaning of a dashboard symbol can have a significant impact on your safety on the road and avoiding accidents.

Other notable findings of the study included the fact that only 16 per cent of drivers would try and fix a problem with the car itself while under half admitted they would research online to understand what a warning light meant. An alarming three per cent said they would continue to driver their car in spite of the warning lights till they began to feel unsafe.